chute
UK: ʃuːt | US: ʃuːt
n. a steep, narrow passage for sliding or dropping objects downward
n. a parachute (colloquial shortening)
n. a waterfall or rapid descent of water
The word "chute" originates from the Old French chute (fall), derived from the verb choir (to fall), which traces back to Latin cadere (to fall). The term entered English in the 18th century, initially referring to a rapid descent of water (e.g., a waterfall) and later expanding to man-made sliding passages (e.g., laundry chutes). The colloquial use for "parachute" emerged in the early 20th century as a clipped form. The core idea of "falling" unifies all meanings.
Workers loaded the packages into the delivery chute.
The kayakers navigated the dangerous chute in the river.
She pulled the cord, and the chute opened smoothly.
The laundry chute connects the upstairs bedroom to the basement.
The hikers admired the natural chute formed by the cascading water.